From Chris Smither and Oregon Mandolin Orchestra to collaborations with PDX Jazz, Portland Opera, Teatro Milagro and more - The City of Hillsboro's premier performing arts venue - showcases a new season of local, regional and national artists in performances for all ages

(Hillsboro, Oregon) - The Walters Cultural Arts Center at 527 East Main Street in Hillsboro announces the 2017-2018 Concert Series line-up with tickets on sale Friday, August 4 at 9 am. The series opens with a return performance by Seattle's beloved Naomi Wachira - named Best Folk Singer by Seattle Weekly on Friday September 29 at 7:30 p.m. The series will conclude with the infamous Acoustic Guitar Summit on Friday, May 18, 2018. This multi-cultural line-up includes Nuevo Americana, Singers + Songwriters, Family Friendly Opera, Educational Jazz, Celtic, Fingerstyle Guitar, Roots, Gospel, Classical, Bi-Lingual Theatre, Country and Folk - along with emerging and legendary performers. General admission tickets range in price from $5 to $30. Ticket purchases can be made via phone or in person at the Walters box office 503-615-3485 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Doors open one hour before show time and wine, beer, snacks and concessions are provided by Longbottom Coffee and Tea. The Walters concert series has evolved over the years and continues to enrich the community with world class talent and affordable, culturally significant performances.

The Walters is a ground-breaking home for creativity and culture providing expanded opportunities for the entire metro area community, including increased access to exceptional performing and fine arts experiences. Recently celebrating its 10 year anniversary, the Walters is one of the area's hidden gems in regional cultural entertainment. The Walters Concert Series highlights a diverse range of beloved artists in its 200 seat theatre recognized for its architectural beauty and excellent acoustics.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Hillsboro, the Walters is part of the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Hillsboro's Parks and Recreation Department. In addition to its concert series and gallery season, the Walters hosts a variety of cultural events as part of its Tuesday Happenings: First Tuesday gallery receptions, open-mic poetry nights, and a spoken word series. The Walters also offers arts education opportunities for all ages in fine and performing arts, in its studios and classrooms. Year after year, the Walters is a vibrant testament to the positive and enriching role that the arts play in our communities, and is a thriving example of Hillsboro's commitment to arts and culture.

Beloved Northwest artist Naomi Wachira returns to the Walters with one-of-a-kind songwriting and storytelling that bridges continents and cultures with grace and positivity. Hailing from Kenya and Seattle, Wachira is an international artist of "formidable talent and heart" (NW Music Scene) on a mission to connect audiences through the power of music. "She lifts hearts...Her lyrics shine. Her message: adore life..." (DList Magazine, Seattle). Don't miss this chance for an intimate performance with a celebrated folk musician at the height of her creative powers. naomiwachira.com
www.naomiwachira2017.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi4zhf-mbis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb3cpdWEvcg
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Even if you have never been to an opera, prepare to be delighted and entertained by Portland Opera To Go's short and sweet version of The Magic Flute. Mozart's universally bewitching tale of love, adventure, and the conflict between good and evil is buoyed by comedy, a fairy-tale worthy production, and above all, glorious music. Designed for children and families (and young-at-heart adults), POGO's opera adaptations have thrilled tens of thousands of fans throughout the region. No advance sales for this event (walk-up only). 60 minute program. www.portlandopera.org

Prolific and internationally celebrated singer-songwriter Chris Smither returns to the Walters for a highly anticipated solo performance. Called "one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world" by the Associated Press, "Smither's roots are as blue as they come" (Rolling Stone). Deeply admired by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, his masterful singing and guitar playing have garnered him legions of loyal fans throughout the span of his 50+ year career. Get your tickets early for an unforgettable evening with this legendary musician. smither.com
www.chrissmither2017.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvUdvQ0PNr4
www.youtube.com/ChrisSmither

NOVEMBER
Chris Arellano and Nuevo Americana
Friday, November 3 | 7:30 pm
$12 advance | $16 day of show
Americana, Norteno, Country

Chris Arellano's deeply personal Americana weaves together the Norteno music of his Northern New Mexico upbringing with Alternative Country and Blues influences--for a signature style that he calls Nuevo Americana. Fused with song and story, Spanish and English, his transcendent lyrics move listeners with emotion and passion. Come see this talented musician and his band's return to Oregon to --and hear why he's a rising star and household name in the New Mexico music scene. chrisjarellano.com
www.chrisarellano.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQZ-OTdeNHY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m852YKuTqmk

Join nationally acclaimed, Nashville based singer-songwriter Kristin Andreassen as she returns to her hometown of Hillsboro for a special, first ever performance at the Walters--joined by Decemberists' guitarist Jon Neufield. A truly authentic artist and performer deeply rooted in American traditional music, Andreassen crosses genres. Her beautiful voice and award winning songwriting have garnered her a following since her days with groundbreaking string band, Uncle Earl. Her most recent album was described as "a beautiful piece of art" by Sirius XM Radio and "sublime" by The Boston Globe. www.kristinandreassen.com
www.kristinandreassen.brownpapertickets.com
https://youtu.be/RSznPKU6U1I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EELEjeYzfjM

The Oregon Mandolin Orchestra presents their annual holiday concert, showcasing a broad musical selection with the historically-rich and dynamic sounds of the mandolin family. This concert will welcome a new conductor, Christian McKee, while wishing farewell to founding conductor Brian Oberlin. The program will include Holiday favorites and selections by Schubert, Vivaldi and Dvorak, and will showcase special guests Caravan Gogh - known for their original music ranging from gypsy waltzes to acoustic rock and calypso inspired dance tunes. Be sure to get your tickets early.
oregonmandolinorchestra.org
www.oregonmandolinorchestra2017.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haAw3F0nKps
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Following the Oregon Symphony's sold-out concert at the Walters last season, this String Quartet from the nationally acclaimed Symphony is returning to downtown Hillsboro for a special holiday concert. This concert of classical and popular favorites will feature singers from the Oregon Chorale, and will conclude with an audience sing along. Don't miss these world-class musicians from the Symphony hailed as "positively searing" (Musical America) and "gripping" (New York Times) in their Carnegie Hall performance. 100% of proceeds benefit the Hillsboro Arts & Culture Endowment. oregonsymphony.org
www.oregonsymphonystringensemble.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWEPt2qfNI
www.Hillsboro-Oregon.gov/ArtsEndowment

Rio Con Brio captivates audiences around the country with their intimate performance of the beautiful Brazilian repertoire known as Choro, the early 20th Century street music of Rio de Janeiro. Influenced by equal parts Afro-Brazilian and contemporary European rhythms, this music evokes in turn the carnival of Rio and the cafes of France, Spain and Portugal. An evening with Mike Burdette and Tim Connell--"fiery and energetic, soulful and evocative" (Mandolin Magazine)--is a deeply stirring musical experience that has delighted loyal audiences time and time again. rioconbrio.net
www.rioconbrio2018.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDCDHQHJy6w
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As soon as you hear one note, you'll be hooked on Liz Vice. Her "dynamic, soulful vocals" (Willamette Week) have drawn comparisons to Adele, Mavis Staples, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and her powerful voice "draws on a well of deep emotion and faith" (Afropunk), capturing all ears with its surprising, soulful magic and message of enduring hope. Originally from Portland, she's been touring nationally with big name acts like the Avett Brothers and Blind Boys of Alabama, attracting rave reviews. Join us as this rising star returns to the Northwest for an unforgettable performance. lizvice.com
www.lizvice.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF7lo0E_HGU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBFiqzPzFu4
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Tony Furtado is a virtuosic multi-instrumentalist who refuses to conform to simple categorization. Integrating American Roots music--Bluegrass, Appalachian Folk, Celtic, Indie Rock, and Blues--and his own progressive use of melody, rhythm and improvisation, Furtado has proven himself a powerful, evocative and soulful singer and songwriter. Relix describes Tony's latest album "as his most polished release yet, incorporating several genres while retaining his inherent charm." Don't miss this "world class performer" (OPB), known for his authenticity, mesmerizing talent and show-stopping live performances. tonyfurtado.com
www.tonyfurtado2018.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iQO3IzSQTE
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Portland's Teatro Milagro is a groundbreaking theatre company known for their extraordinary performances and arts education experiences which seek to make their audiences "think, feel, and imagine." Their return to the Walters' stage tells the story of young Frida Kahlo's remarkable journey and irrepressible creative imagination. Strong, spirited, and resilient, Fridita discovers how to overcome hardships while staying true to herself. Join us for this special matinee and performance to discover how Frida became the legendary artist that continues to inspire generations--and audiences of all ages. Bi-lingual performance in English and Spanish. 60 minute program. www.milagro.org www.mijitafridita.brownpapertickets.com

One of the most compelling and celebrated acts in Celtic music today, Greta, Willow, and Solana Gothard create an irresistible blend of violin and fiddle, acoustic guitar, stunning vocal harmonies and the powerful rhythms of the Irish Bodhran. Their rousing, energetic live performances incorporate Irish Dance and infuse the time-honored tradition of Celtic music with modern Folk influences. Don't miss these fiercely talented, Northwest sisters with a loyal national following to begin your St. Patrick's Day weekend. "This is a trio that comes off like an orchestra" (Celtic Beat Magazine). gothardsisters.com
www.gothardsisters2018.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxt50UqQQqI
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New Country/Americana artist, Carrie Cunningham has shared stages with the likes of Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Reba, Kacey Musgraves and numerous Country luminaries. Her vocals have drawn comparison to Martina McBride and Miranda Lambert, combined with the sweetness of Pam Tillis. Carrie has recently relocated to California, but her adoring fans can rejoice--as she returns to the Northwest for one night at the Walters to share her talent and new album with in a special, intimate acoustic performance. carrielive.com
www.carriecunningham.brownpapertickets.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W23V0jmneHE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9NSu6-pi_k

This "living experience of jazz" is a "foot-tapping, heart-flooding, laugh-inducing" educational and fun evening exploring the classic genre's rhythm, melody and history. The PDX Jazz Festival's performance recounts America's original musical art form as we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with some of the region's outstanding musicians. Explore the story of Jazz from its beginnings in Africa, development in America and impact on our past and present. Along the journey gain a deeper understanding of Jazz's ability to weave global cultures together--and excite audiences of all ages. 60 minute program. pdxjazz.com
www.theincrediblejourneyofjazz.brownpapertickets.com
www.pdxjazz.com/education/the-incredible-journey-of-jazz

Without a doubt, Joni Mitchell's BLUE is one of the most iconic albums of all time--and here it is played from beginning to end in the original keys by Broadway star Merideth Kaye Clark. "Clark is a masterful performer and she has an amazing voice" (broadwayworld.com). Clark's live version first premiered at Portland Center Stage with sold out performances--her "openness and happiness on the stage is pure delight, the joy and empathy she has in and for Mitchell's work coming out in every note" (Edge Media Network). Don't miss this special dedication to one remarkable performer by another. meridethkayeclark.com
www.bluebymeridethkayeclark.brownpapertickets.com
www.meredithkayeclark.com/blue-1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oygUbyrmtDU

Grammy Award winners Doug Smith and Mark Hanson and Oregon Music Hall of Fame member Terry Robb are Acoustic Guitar Summit - one of the region's most accomplished musical groups. Performing together for over 20 years, the three bring a diverse musical journey to the stage with their impressive fingerstyle guitar and unique versions of classic favorites, Blues, Jazz, and Hawaiian slack key. Their wide-ranging, genre crossing repertoire rejoices in the rhythm and power of the instrument. acousticguitarsummit.net
www.acousticguitarsummit2018.brownpapertickets.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaOuS06AcC8

The Walters Cultural Arts Center is conveniently located just two blocks off the MAX Blue line in historic downtown Hillsboro. For further information, call 503-615-3485 or visit the website at www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/walters. Many thanks go to Walters Concert series Sponsor, The Orenco Hotel and First Tuesday sponsor, Decadent Creations Bakery -- whose generosity and support have made it possible to enhance the Arts Center's offerings and services.

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The Walters Cultural Arts Center is a premier west side visual arts and performance facility. Part of the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation department, the Walters is home to a 200 seat state-of-the-art performance and event space, art galleries and studio space dedicated to workshops and classes representing a wide variety of art forms. Each season the Walters' eclectic concert series grows, featuring local, national and international artists. The Walters also hosts free events including First Tuesday Gallery Openings, Open Poetry Night and the Spoken Word Series.